Sunday, August 22, 2010

I posted some of them earlier this week here but just had to show a few more.

'Cause...I'm her mom.....

and that's what mom's do. Right?

These sweet little outfits are hand made by a lovely lady who creates truly beautiful children's fashions - gorgeous right to the last detail. You can check Robin's whole line on her website (click on fashion show).http://www.redthreadstitches.com/

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

It's hard to get my head around that school starts again in two weeks. I just think we should all go on strike and insist that summer be longer. Are you with me?

And while we're at it - everybody is on vacation at the same time.

Hmmmm....guess I'm dreaming.

We had a family re-union a few weeks back (about 8 hours down the road from here), at my brother's lake cottage (hi George) where all and sundry meet up every few years.

It was one of those perfect days. Gorgeous color, fluffy clouds, great company and lots of laughs.

I think this picture of Dahlia (below) may be my all-time favorite of her.

I just love everything about it.

It's Wednesday folks. And today is a very special day for Lisa at the Long Road to China because that road just came to an end. A happy end. They received their referral for a sweet baby girl from Hunan, China. Finally!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

It's time for a little fun for me. (Who am I kidding....I always have fun!)

Today, I am being featured on this great new network called "mama's little nestwork". If you haven't joined...you can go and do that now. ;=)

I was just thrilled when I was asked to be this week's "artistic blogger" by one of the loveliest bloggers, Mama Hen, from "Mama's Little Chick" .

Thank you MH for your amazing ability to encourage and inspire. And thank for this honor to be your featured blogger.

And for those who are visiting for the first time, I'm suppose to tell you a little about myself. I have tried to pack as much into my life as possible but this will be the very short, abridged version. (Who just let out a sigh out there? I heard ya!)

So since I'm suppose to focus on the artsy stuff, I'll start there. I'm a painter (artist) and when I'm not chasing around our two lovelies, I should be painting. But more and more this newer role of "Mom" is filling most of my time. I started this blog about a year and a half ago - about the same time as I bought my first DSLR and have been consumed with photography ever since. As much as I've enjoyed this new blogging world (who knew there were so many fabulous, encouraging, loving people out there?) I have had the extra bonus of meeting some amazing photographers who inspire me daily. Participating in photo challenges like Iheartfaces and others has continued to inspire me but none like Lisa from The Long Road to China who hosts Black and White Wednesdays and unforgettable workshops to attend.

So before I blather on here, let me introduce you to our two daughters

(still love the sound of that).

Dahlia is our 7 year old from Hunan, China. This is the little girl who made me a "mommy", which has been my absolute biggest joy in life.

And Milana is our little monkey.....er....rather our 2 year old from Zhejiang, China. We've been home with Milana for just one year and just watching her explore her world is like watching a sit-com. A really funny one.

See our little model here? I ordered some sweet little hand-made outfits recently from Robin at the Red Thread Stitches of Hope. This amazing lady sews these beautiful creations and is raising income to bring her newest daughter home from China. Go check out her site. Warning: get a tissue - you'll be drooling over the fashions and maybe a shed a tear when you read her story.

And since I'm plugging, let me shamelessly link you to my art gallery http://www.ode2beauty.com/ where you can check out some of my artwork. But in case you don't have the time (and I so understand that phenomenon), here are a few quick peeks.

For more information on my art or other hand-created items, you can e-mail me at

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Hi, I'm Wanda. I am a happy woman, wife to Danny for...oh....lots a years and finally Mom to THE most adorable little girl from Hunan, China - Dahlia. And now we have been blessed again with another daughter, Milana, from Zhejiang, China. (The 2 best things I've ever done!)
We live in the Montreal area. After a loooonnngg wait for Dahlia's little sister Milana (pronounced - Mee-lana, like banana), we finally brought her home in August 2009. Dahlia came to us in Nov 2004 (at 20 months of age)and a year later we began the application for another baby - at the time the waiting period was around 8 months. Almost 4 years later (say what!?!)we, at last, brought Milana home.
This began as the story of our journey to bring Milana home and life with her big sister, Dahlia. It now continues as we live as a family of four!

God.
My (growing) family.
Hangin' out with my girlies.
My wonderful friends (you know who you are!).
To laugh (out loud and a lot!).
Music.
Painting. Hugs.
Long chats with my buds.
My garden.
To read (ha...when I can!).
Sunshine.
Spring, Spring and more Spring.
Building things.
Cooking.
Decorating.
Parties (ahem).
The internet.
Life.
Movies. A.I.
Dancing with the stars.
So you think you can dance.
Travel. Umm..did I say laughing my head off.
Oh Gee...everything actually!!